Jazz Paraphrase for Saxophone
Composer: Jeffery Wilson
Catalogue no: CM278 | ISMN M-57034-278-5
Jazz Paraphrase is a set of engaging pieces/studies which emulate the styles of various famous jazz players.
Saxophone
Pres
A relaxed swing here with a respectful nod to the playing style of Lester Young. Notice the monotone rhythms here, a trademark Lester technique.
Splodges
Johnny Hodges could produce some seductive glissandi and pursuasive tone from his Alto Sax, particularly as a sideman for the Ellington Orchestra. In this ballad we offer a vehicle for such musical qualities.
Sidney
Characterised by a ‘New Orleans’ style of wide vibrato the Soprano Sax sound of the early jazz innovator Sidney Bechet has been copied and admired for years. This blues based composition represents his inimitable style.
Sonny Daze
Among the many accomplishments of the great Tenor player Sonny Rollins is his ability to assimilate other musical styles into his playing and composing. This Calypso inspired piece refers to just one of those styles which he brought to the inclusive world of Jazz.
Gerry Cool
The light and ‘airy’ Baritone Sax sound of Gerry Mulligan is often associated with the ‘cool school’ of jazz playing. Here we explore an antidote to Bebop with lines of swing quavers that describe the underlying harmonies.
Take Desmond
The iconic sound and faultless ease of Paul Desmond’s Alto Sax will forever be associated with the Dave Brubeck band. With some melodic references and twists and turns we try to capture something of the wit of this fascinating musician.
Trane Journey
One of the most influential Saxophonists from Jazz history, John Coltrane has touched the musical lives of countless players. Virtuosity and passion combined to express a musical personality familiar with Bop, modal and avant-garde styles. Here we explore some familiar ‘Trane’ harmonies.
Getz a Go
Stan Getz was often referred to as ‘The Sound’ and he was a capable player of Bebop, Cool school, Mainstream and Crossover music. Here we salute his fluent swinging style and the innate ability to weave new melodic lines over familiar chord changes.
Fly Bird
Perhaps one of the most imitated and certainly admired Sax players of the 20th century Charlie Parker was a leading exponent of Bebop, a music that is characterised by fast tempi, chord extensions and alterations and virtuosic improvised lines.
This is included on the following exam syllabuses:
Jazz Woodwind Syllabus 2017-2022 (until Dec 2023)
Jazz Alto/Bari Sax - grade 6 ( Sidney )
Jazz Alto/Bari Sax - grade 6 ( Splodges )
Jazz Alto/Bari Sax - grade 6 ( Pres )
Jazz Alto/Bari Sax - grade 7 ( Sonny Daze )
Jazz Alto/Bari Sax - grade 7 ( Gerry Cool )
Jazz Alto/Bari Sax - grade 7 ( Take Desmond )
Jazz Alto/Bari Sax - grade 8 ( Getz A Go )
Jazz Alto/Bari Sax - grade 8 ( Trane Journey )
Jazz Alto/Bari Sax - grade 8 ( Fly Bird )
Jazz Tenor/Sop Sax - grade 6 ( Pres )
Jazz Tenor/Sop Sax - grade 6 ( Sidney )
Jazz Tenor/Sop Sax - grade 6 ( Splodges )
Jazz Tenor/Sop Sax - grade 7 ( Sonny Daze )
Jazz Tenor/Sop Sax - grade 7 ( Gerry Cool )
Jazz Tenor/Sop Sax - grade 7 ( Take Desmond )
Jazz Tenor/Sop Sax - grade 8 ( Getz A Go )
Jazz Tenor/Sop Sax - grade 8 ( Trane Journey )
Jazz Tenor/Sop Sax - grade 8 ( Fly Bird )
